Preston sack manager Phil Brown

Phil Brown was in charge for just 11 months (GETTY IMAGES)

Phil Brown has been sacked by Preston North End after just 11 months in the job.

The former Hull City manager fought a losing battle in trying to keep North End in the Championship last season.

But it was the Lilywhites’ recent poor form that was Brown and assistant Brian Horton’s undoing. Despite sitting in 10th place in League One, they have won just one in their last 16 games.

Brown is the third manager in two years to leave Deepdale.

Graham Alexander and David Unsworth have been put in temporary charge.

In a statement released by the League Managers Association, Brown said he was disappointed not to be given more time at Preston.

"I am very disappointed to have received the news today regarding my employment and that I will not be allowed the opportunity to achieve the ambition of promotion back to the Championship with Preston North End Football Club," Brown said.

"Whilst I acknowledge that recent results have been disappointing, I was particularly pleased with how we started this season when we were second in the league after a run of seven consecutive league wins, especially following a number of key departures from the playing staff over the summer and a large number of injuries to significant players in the limited squad.

"We are just five points off the play-offs and firmly believed that the club would be in contention for promotion come the end of the season.

"In order to be successful, more time was needed to achieve our objectives and it is with regret I have been given less than one year in charge of Preston North End.

"I appear to have been dismissed on the basis of the last 10 matches rather than the overall picture.

"Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time at Preston and I will always be extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me. I would like to wish the club, the board, the players and the supporters all the very best for the future."